East Ward Elementary Student Reports Attempted Abduction

Killeen police are investigating after an East Ward Elementary School student's parent reported a man's attempt to lure her son into his vehicle Thursday with the promise of a bicycle.

The suspect was described as a white man in his mid to late 20's with a light brown beard driving a dark blue four-door SUV or van.

East Ward Principal Norma Baker issued a statement to parents in which she said the attempted abduction occurred around 3:40 PM Thursday.

"The student reported that the man offered the student a bicycle to come to the vehicle," Baker Said. "The student did the right thing – he ran back to the school and got away from the vehicle."

"I wanted to alert all parents about this incident and to urge parents to help us keep every student safe by asking students to always report to the school any time someone threatens their safety in any way. The safety of every student every day remains our very highest priority.”

Killeen ISD police were patrolling the area Friday to ensure student safety and keep an eye out for the suspect and the vehicle.

Anyone with information that may prove helpful is asked to contact the Killeen Police Department at (254) 501-8830.